Chapter 6

I completely understand and get why Scott said Drew would be mad that he brought me here.

Driving up to the Sunset Bar, you’d think that it was just that. A bar.

The neon sign overhead seemed perfectly normal as it case casting a slight glow over the parking lot where Scott had parked.

When we entered the place had been fairly filled up when Scott and I walked in, the place seemed normal enough, with people laughing and chatting over drinks.

But you can imagine my shock when instead of staying upstairs where I thought Scott would change into a bartender’s uniform or something, instead we were ushered through a back door and came down to the basement where an entirely different world lay.

The soft country music from upstairs grew distant, replaced by the buzz of loud rock music.

My mouth practically dropped as I looked around dingy and dimly lit place filled with fighting rings and rowdy men and women cheering on different people in the rings beating each other’s faces in.

The air was thick with the stench of sweat, smoke, and beer and I tried hard to absorb every detail. The makeshift rings, barred off by rusty chain-links clinked as different fighters were pushed into them.

I jumped slightly when I saw one man get punched right in the face and held onto Scott’s arm.

What the heck was this place?

“What the hell Scott!” For a second I didn’t recognise my brother marching towards us in anger. He was shirtless wearing red boxing gloves and red shorts.

His eyes widened as they landed on me.

“What the hell is she doing here?”

I blinked at him incredulously. Was that really his biggest concern right now?

What in the world was this place?

“Listen,” Scott spoke pulling Drew closer, “I got a message from Rocky. He said you guys needed some back up for the tag team match and he said there was a bonus in it for us. You know we need the extra money for rent this month.”

I watched taking in Scott’s words and trying to absorb everything.

Drew glanced at me looking frustrated but he let out a sigh. He clearly didn’t like this but he didn’t seem that mad at Scott anymore.

“I get it… okay - go get changed.” He patted Scott’s shoulder.

Scott gave him a firm nod before immediately darting off.

Drew’s eyes landed on me. I stared at my big brother speechless for a second. I shook my head out of my stupor as it all clicked now.

“You’re an underground fighter?” I yelled.

Oh my gosh! It all made sense now! Drew and his friends never giving me details about their jobs, them always going to the gym… the bruises Drew sometimes randomly showed up with.

My hand moved to my mouth and I couldn’t mask my shock.

“Drew!” I yelled incredulously. “Is this even legal, Drew?”

Drew looked around seeming panicked. He quickly gripped my arm pulling me away from some people who had turned to look probably wondering why a kid was in here.

Drew pulled me to a quieter place in the back.

He let out a breath.

“No.” He spoke running a hand down his face seeming stressed. “But it’s how I pay the rent and keep the lights on.”

Behind Drew, I saw a guy limping past us with a black eye and a busted lip.

“No way.” I choked out. “Drew this can’t be what you do for money. If things are that bad I’ll get a job.”

Drew’s expression turned steely and I could see my stubborn, protective older brother poke out.

“No way Mia, it’s my job to be the adult and take care of you.”

I let out a breath. Is this yet another sacrifice he felt the need to make for me? This very obviously dangerous stint? And not just him but his friends too.

I felt chocked up all of a sudden. I never wanted to be a burden to Drew like this.

“You can’t do this. This is so dangerous, you could die!” I emphasised wondering if he was even thinking about that.

One blow to the head would be all it took and I would lose my brother. And I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I did.

To my surprise Drew grinned.

I stared at him incredulously. Was he not taking me seriously?

He rested a gloved hand on my shoulder.

“Listen, baby sister, I know you’re worried about me but you need to realise that I’m actually quite good at what I do. No one kicks ass like your big bros.”

I blinked at him. He was actually making a joke out of this.

I brushed his arm away. “Not funny Drew!”

He chuckled clearly not realising how distressed I was about this.

His eyes then scanned my clothes. “Wait, why are you dressed like that?”

Oh no.

“Drew Pitt, you’re up next!” A voice echoed through some microphone.

Saved by the bell.

Drew looked away distracted.

He furrowed his brows.

“Hayden is still having his match and Scott’s getting ready for his.” He muttered. “Just stay here okay? Don’t move or talk to anyone.” He ordered.

I looked around alarmed. The crowd here seemed kind of rowdy. I didn’t want him to leave me alone. But Drew had already started backing away, fixing a mouth guard into his teeth.

“I’ll be back soon. Stay there Mia!” He ordered.

The minute Drew is gone I immediately feel like everyone is staring. It could all be in my head but I feel so self conscious and tug at my short skirt.

This is definitely not how I thought I’d be spending my Friday night.

I shift uncomfortably as I see two huge tattooed men staring at me, their eyes drifting to my exposed legs.

I swallow hard. How long did Drew say he’d be again?

The men’s looks make me feel even more uncomfortable and when one starts to walk towards me, I immediately spun around.

Screw this!

I’m barely paying attention to where I’m going so focused on escaping that I immediately bump into something hard.

I gasp recoiling. Not something. Someone.

A tall shirtless man turns around and I immediately freeze.

Holy crap.

As I look up, I’m met with the piercing gaze of intense hazel eyes that seem to look right through me. The man has a chiseled jawline and perfectly sculpted features making him look quite literally like an angel. His dark hair is messy in his head and pushed to the side revealing his fade.

For a minute I just stand as our eyes meet and a jolt of electricity runs through my body.

“I am so sorry.” I choke out.

The man looks at me curiosity filling his eyes as he scans me from head to toe.

“Well hello there.” His deep voice sounds. “Who might you be?”

He looks at me in amusement in a way that makes me feel exposed.

I swallow hard. Drew told me not to talk to anyone. And everyone here seems like bad news but especially this guy.

“No one.” I respond.

“Is that what I should call you, pretty?” He asks and I’m surprised as he leans in slightly completely taking away what little personal space I had. “Because you don’t look like a ‘no one’.”

I don’t know why his voice makes my heart flutter. I have a boyfriend for goodness sake!

Okay. I tell myself. Time to back away and find one of the guys.

“I gotta go -“ I choke out.

“Wait.” He reaches out and takes my arm and a rush runs through me. “Who are you here with? And do they mind me stealing you away from them? Because I promise I can take them in a fight.”

The short lived reverie I was in suddenly shutters. I pull out of the strange guy’s hold and fold my arms across my chest.

“Kinda cocky, don’t you think?” I tell him surprising even myself by my confidence.

He shrugs. “There’s a difference between cockiness and confidence. And to be quite frank? A girl like you seems worth fighting for.”

I pause not knowing what to possibly say to a comment like that. A girl like me? I hardly even understand why Marshall likes me. Why would this hot stranger see me as anything interesting?

“Kaden.” I turn around and see Drew walking up. He’s covered in sweat and I figure his match is over already. Maybe he was right about being good at what he does.

His gaze is hard as it lands on the guy in front of me. Realisation dawns on the stranger who I guess is named Kaden. He backs away from me slightly.

“Yo, Drew.” He greets and then his eyes fleet to me seemingly making a connection. “My bad. I didn’t realise this was your girl.”

There’s clear respect in his voice as he addresses my brother.

Drew clenches his jaw stepping in front of me protectively. “She’s my baby sister.” He hisses.

Kaden’s eyes widen in realisation and his gaze lands on me actually seeming amused.

“Is that so?”

Drew huffs. “Meaning she’s hundred percent off limits.”

Kaden pauses.

“Got it.” He speaks slowly in a way that convinces me he doesn’t fully accept the statement.

His eyes locate me from where I’m partially hidden behind Drew and I feel trapped by them.

Drew gives him one last hard look before taking my hand and dragging me away. I can’t help but look back and see Kaden still staring.